Although the pair of senior All-Americans are graduating from the University of Maryland and leaving behind their collegiate track and field careers, one of their coaches is looking forward in great earnest to what lies ahead for them.

"Everything that I do and have right now is because of track and field," Coach Jason Grimes said. "It has opened doors, allowed me to travel, and do things that I wouldn't normally have been able to do."

Because Coach Grimes was an accomplished long jumper in his own right, he has a special connection with Foster and Hernandez.

"I can understand what they are going through... because they compete in the same discipline I competed in. I now live through them."

Even though Grimes and the entire University of Maryland track and field team will miss the two seniors when they leave, he looks forward to their futures, and that of the entire Terrapin track and field team.

"When you go to a meet, people recognize Maryland as a team on the move, and a team they should look out for."

Grimes cites the Terrapin coaching staff as a major contributor to the Terps constant improvement. Head coach Andrew Valmon has assembled an experienced staff that has been able to recruit some of the nation's top talent to College Park.

"I would take the University of Maryland staff and put it up against any school in the country," Grimes said. "An abundant number of people want to come here now. They have seen the results and are being drawn to Maryland. The coaching staff is here to bring every athlete to the next level."

Included in the new group of up-and-coming Terps is Grimes' daughter, who will be a freshman at Maryland in the fall.

Grimes said he tried not to strongly encourage his five children to participate in track, but his enthusiasm for the sport probably made it close to irresistible for them.

After all, it is track and field that played a huge role in making Jason Grimes the man, father, husband and coach he is today.